30 Nail Designs for Short Nails That Prove Longer Isn't Always Better (2024)

30 Nail Designs for Short Nails That Prove Longer Isn't Always Better (1)

When it comes to nails, longer isn't always better. Sure, long nails are nice, but a couple of weeks in and they can start to feel more high-maintenance than they're worth. What's more is that short nails, even if they seem to get less of the spotlight, can still be super chic.

In fact, certain nail designs almost seem to lend themselves better to shorter lengths. Don't believe us? We scoured the Internet for 30 of the most eye-catching nail designs for short nails and tapped the experts for their insight on how to maximize the shorter length. Keep reading for the must-see looks we'll be trimming our nails for ASAP.

Meet the Expert

Rebecca Isa is the Creative Director at Zoya.
Galdina Jimenez is the North America Education Manager for OPI.

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Monochrome Mani

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According to Isa, a "punchy, bright neon that's reminiscent of candy" is a must-have polish for short nails. With less space to play with, the shorter length creates a more refined canvas for bold color that could have otherwise been too overwhelming on longer lengths.

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Red Line Drawings

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"Short vampy nails are a classic that seems to be making a comeback; think Uma Thurman’s iconic Pulp Fiction nails," says Isa. With crisp line drawings and romantic motifs, this manicure offers a modern take on the cult favorite.

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Allover Floral

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What's the best shape for shorter lengths? "Squoval gives you the best strength; the shape is square with softly rounded corners, nothing to catch or snag," explains Isa, who also notes it's the most widely flattering. This delicate floral print has us sold.

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Embellished Tips

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Now this manicure is a minimalist's dream with just a dash of opulent maximalism. These sheer short nails would totally fly under the radar if it weren't for those gold-beaded tips. A little bling certainly does go a long way.

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Red Negative Space

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Red nail polish adds an extra bright pop of color when painted in this chic negative-space design. We love the mismatched approach for added levity.

Byrdie Tip

"Use cuticle oil and hand cream daily," advises Isa. "Each time you wash your hands push your cuticles back."

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Pastel Checkers

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Shake up a classic checkerboard look by swapping out black for pastel blue. These Chillhouse press-ons make it so easy you don't even have to worry about carefully painting the design.

Abstract Strokes

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Light and feathery strokes featuring bold colors add a pop of intrigue, whether striped against a stark white base or clustered together on their own. "Don’t forget regular maintenance," adds Isa. "Although short nails are easier to care for don’t forget the basics: nail oil, hand cream, and a good file."

Byrdie Tip

Isa recommends a 240-grit file for the natural nail.

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Star Studded

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Spirit fingers, incoming. The combination of light pink and deep burgundy, plus a dusting of eye-catching stars, looks stunning on short nails.

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Bright Duality

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Can't decide on one color? It's okay—choose both (in this case, a neon green and a metallic sliver) and paint in vertical (or diagonal!) half-and-half sections.

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Metallic Stripes

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For a sleek and simple (but still stunning) nail design for short nails, simply start with a neutral or bare base, paint a subtle color as an abstract tip, and finish with a single shimmering stripe down each nail. It's super easy to maintain, but chic enough to wear to a formal event.

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Tiny Tartan

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We can't handle the chicness of this delicate plaid pattern in the perfect neutral color scheme. It's all the autumnal goodness we could ask for.

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Palm Fronds

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If you can't actually be lying beneath the palms, having them on your fingertips might just be the next best thing. Who knew pink and green could be such a dream?

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Scenic Peaks

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Slightly Frozen–esque in inspiration, we're head over heels (or should we say fingers?) for this icy nail design.

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Mirror Image

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Truth: A broken heart adorning our nails is the only broken heart we want in our lives. The small design adds a pop of bright orange to an otherwise neutral mani.

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Rainbow Cuticles

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Not only do whimsical rainbows add a dose of graphic appeal to short nails, they simultaneously channel the negative-space trend. And, honestly, who doesn't want rainbow cuticles?

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Red Eyes

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Between the eye-catching graphic and candy-apple base, this nail design couldn't be better for short nails. "Do invest in a basic polish library; just because your nails are short doesn’t mean you’re forgetting about color," advises Isa. "You should have a minimum of three shades: a dark, a bright, and a neutral all in colors that flatter your skin tone."

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Camo Print

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Another unexpected option? A glossy iteration of camo in moody shades of blue and striking pops of black and white.

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Art Deco Squiggles

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Unconventional color pairings like cobalt blue, bubblegum pink, silver, and white keep short nails anything but boring. It's giving all the roller rink nostalgia.

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Dainty Hearts

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Heart print is the new polka-dot print as far as we're concerned. "Don’t go too short," says Isa. "[You] need at least a small white free edge at the tip of the nail for it to look balanced."

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Mismatched Greenery

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A metallic green base adds an air of festive cheer, but contrasting leaf stencils stand out for a whimsical finish. While these leaves look hand-painted, you can always opt for a sticker like the What's Up Nails Leaves Vinyl Stencils ($4) for an easy go-to.

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Cranberry Drip

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If you're not yet a nail design expert, try a halfway style like these bold two-tone waves. They're easy enough to recreate—just apply crafty tape and get to work. Plus, you can use this stylish and simple look with any color combo your heart desires.

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Vacation Vibes

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These vacation-inspired nails are decked out in sweet treat stickers that have us seriously longing for a cabana and some sun. They're just as fitting for a summer holiday as they are for getting the feels every time you look down at your keyboard.

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Off the Grid

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A beige base makes for a neutral-toned look, but an added grid design amps up the impact for a subtle yet interesting finish. Make it easy on yourself by grabbing a set of the Winstonia Super Fine Nail Art Brush Set ($9) to get the crisp lines needed to complete the look.

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Sharp Lines

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Create dimension across your nails with some perfectly placed lines for a fashionable design. This combination of humble neutrals and neon strips is sheer genius.

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Rainbow French Tips

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Keeping shorter nails doesn't mean you skimp on fun. These French tips are just lovely with bursts of cheerful hues. "Choose five colors that each have something in common (for summer I like neons) and paint each nail a different color," advises Isa.

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Gold Foil Details

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A simple burgundy mani gets a serious upgrade with gold foil accents. Get creative with the design and give each nail a unique splash of gold.

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Open-Space French Manicure

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Is the classic French manicure intrinsically a negative-space design? Maybe. But this iteration, with open-work arches, is even more so and that's all we have to say about that.

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Glitzy Tips

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Keep it party-ready with these sparkly tips. Use tape to keep the lines clean and add as much glitter as your heart desires. "Glitter nails are on trend," says Jimenez. "The way you wear your glitter is up to you!"

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Minimalist Stripe

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"Polka-Dots and Pinstripes are some of the easiest looks for short nails. I love an off-center vertical pinstripe that runs the length of the nail," notes Isa, who suggests having a fine lining brush, dotting tool, and clean-up brush on hand for DIY looks. These nude nails with minimalist stripes are a breeze to recreate.

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Vertical Bookends

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This under-over approach to color is totally dreamy. The pastel crescent at the cuticle merges with a neon French tip to create a creamsicle-inspired, monochromatic frame to an otherwise nude nail.

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